BREAKING NEWS: Sultan of Sokoto Declares Wednesday First Day of Ramadan 1447AH

Muslims across Nigeria set to begin fasting Wednesday as Sultan of Sokoto confirms crescent moon sighting for Ramadan 1447AH

By Abdullahi Yusuf

The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in coordination with the National Moonsighting Committee, confirmed the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan 1447AH on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Sha’aban 1447AH.

His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, has accepted the reports and officially declared Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, as the first day of fasting for Muslims across Nigeria.

In a statement, the Sultan felicitated with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah, extending his prayers for Allah’s guidance and blessings during the holy month. He urged Muslims to continue praying for peace, progress, and development in the country, and wished all a blessed Ramadan Kareem.

“May Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds. Ameen,” the statement said.

The announcement follows reports from multiple moonsighting committees across Nigeria, which confirmed visibility of the crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan. The declaration provides official guidance to the Nigerian Muslim community as they prepare to begin fasting, increased worship, and acts of charity throughout the month.

Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu / Wazirin Sokoto, Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, issued the release on behalf of the Sultan.

This formal declaration aligns Nigeria with other nations observing the lunar calendar for Islamic months, providing clarity to communities across the country regarding the commencement of Ramadan.

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